Chamber calls for Tullamore Canal Corridor to be enhanced

3rd July 2017

Ger Scully

THE Grand Canal corridor between the Clara road and Whitehall bridges is potentially the "jewel in the crown'" of tourism attractions in Tullamore, the Chamber of Commerce has stressed.

Chamber President Anne Starling has called on Waterways Ireland to devise a clear strategy for the upkeep and enhancement of the town centre canal banks between the two bridges.

Speaking at the monthly Chamber Executive meeting in the Town Hall on Wednesday night last, Ms Starling added her voice to recent criticism levelled at Waterways Ireland on the upkeep of the canal banks in the town centre.

Cllr Declan Harvey said he understood Waterways Ireland faced finance and staffing issues but he felt the canal banks in the centre of Tullamore should receive priority.

The councillor recently slammed grass cutting carried out on the banks of the canal as "terrible-looking".

'It's not right that the banks should be left in this state . . . this is the main thoroughfare in town,' said the Fianna Fail public representative earlier this month.

He that the canal banks should "be cut regularly in the town centre . . . we have to do it right in the town centre.".

Chamber executive members agreed that a letter be sent to Waterway Ireland outlining the body's concerns and seeking a meeting with key personnel on the issues.